Sanitary device and method for producing same

Abstract

The invention relates to a sanitary device and to a method for the production thereof, comprising a body (1) made of an enameled steel sheet having a use side (2), on which an uneven hidden side (3) of the body (1) a volumetric material (7) is arranged, which volumetric material has a topology complementary to the uneven hidden side (3) at least in some regions, the bulk material (7) is formed by a bulk material consisting of particles (8) and a hardened binder (9) connecting the particles (8).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sanitary fixture comprising a body made of enameled steel sheet having a usable side, on the non-planar hidden side of the body being provided a bulk material having, at least in sections, a topology that is complementary to the non-planar hidden side. The invention also provides a method for producing such a sanitary fixture. Background Art

[0002] The main body can be designed, for example, in the form of a bathtub, a shower tray, a urinal, a washbasin, a heating element, a covering or the like.

[0003] As use side, be understood as following side in the situation of such main body within the scope of the present invention, this side is visible to the user in the installed state.It is self-evident that described use side is usually not flat, but has three-dimensional contour, for example has basin shape.

[0004] On the contrary, the hidden side is usually not visible or not directly visible in the fully installed state.Depending on the different situations of the installation of the sanitary body, the hidden side can be the back side, the lower side or also the inner chamber.

[0005] In many applications, the service side can also be called the visible side. If the sanitary element is to be installed on a concealed side, the concealed side can also be called the installation side.

[0006] The hidden side surface is not flat, which means within the scope of the present invention that the hidden side surface has a macroscopic three-dimensional structure that exceeds the roughness or waviness of the corresponding surface.

[0007] The present invention relates specifically to a sanitary fixture in which the body is made of enameled steel sheet, i.e., steel enamel. The body is typically formed by forming the sheet metal and subsequently applying the enameling, so that the active side and the hidden side typically have complementary shapes. The uneven shape of the hidden side is then the inverse of the active side, which has a three-dimensional functional and / or decorative structure.

[0008] A similar sanitary device is known from DE 10 20 22 12 8 990 B3. A composite material is provided on the hidden side as a molded body, which comprises a plurality of particles connected by a network of mycelial material. Organic particles made of plant material are particularly suitable for forming a molded body with a mycelial material network. Plant materials such as hemp, straw, wood shavings, grass, and plant waste allow the mycelial material to form a network during production under suitable environmental conditions, such as suitable humidity and temperature.

[0009] This bio-based composite material has sufficient stability, strength and durability when combined with conventional sanitary items. Advantageously, it achieves improved ecological properties while maintaining good functionality.

[0010] Another similar sanitary fixture is known from DE 199 61 255 C2, in which polyurethane foam is used as the bulk material to form the tub carrier. The tub carrier is formed by foaming, so that the polyurethane foam grips the tub edge from behind, thus achieving a form-fitting connection. It is also known that the polyurethane foam has a certain viscosity, resulting in a single-piece composite body overall. The bulk material in the form of polyurethane foam, which is disposed throughout the lower portion of the sanitary body, achieves good thermal and acoustic insulation. However, handling the sanitary fixture at the end of its lifecycle is difficult because the polyurethane foam is internally connected to the tub, which is made of steel enamel. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a sanitary fitting which allows further variations in the concept of the body made of enameled steel sheet and is advantageous from an ecological point of view. Furthermore, a method for producing a corresponding sanitary fitting is to be provided.

[0012] The subject matter and the object of the present invention are achieved by a sanitary device according to claim 1 and a method for producing a sanitary device according to claim 17 .

[0013] Proceeding from a similar approach, it is therefore provided that the bulk material is formed by a bulk material consisting of particles and a hardening binder which connects the particles.

[0014] Within the scope of the invention, the bulk material can be composed of particles and a hardened binder with particularly high stability and strength.

[0015] According to the prior art according to DE 10 20 20 12 8 990 B3 and DE 199 6 1 2 55 C2, the stability of the sanitary fixture is essentially provided by the main body made of steel enameled steel, while the bulk material is then required to carry and support the main body and, depending on the application, the user sitting on it. However, according to the prior art, the main body made of steel enameled steel is itself very rigid and load-bearing, so that the weight of the user can be carried and distributed within the main body itself.

[0016] On the other hand, within the scope of the present invention, the volumetric material can have a strength that significantly exceeds the previous requirements for a simple load-bearing and supporting function. Therefore, within the scope of the present invention, the body and the volumetric material can also form a composite component in a particularly advantageous manner, so that the volumetric material can also significantly contribute to the overall stability and load-bearing capacity.

[0017] Against this background, the body made of enameled steel sheet, for example in the form of a shower surface or a sanitary basin, can have a structure and strength that is customary and known from the prior art.

[0018] However, it is also possible within the scope of the invention to form the body of enameled steel sheet with a lower intrinsic strength, so that the overall stability of the finished sanitary fixture is also provided to a significant extent by the volume material. The advantages and variations achieved in this relationship are discussed in detail below.

[0019] In view of the present invention, bulk materials consisting of particles and a hardened binder can also be used in principle for sanitary fittings having a body made of a material other than enameled steel sheet, i.e., steel enamel. Thus, for example, sanitary fittings are also known that have a body made of plastic, in particular acrylic, ceramic, uncoated sheet metal, in particular high-grade steel sheet, painted or powder-coated sheet metal, etc., which can in principle be combined with the bulk materials described.

[0020] However, the present invention relates in particular to the solution of a body made of enameled steel sheet within the context of specific combinable advantages.

[0021] The particles may be selected such that the particles in combination with the hardened binder have long term durability and allow for a relatively high load bearing capacity.It is further noted that the particles are provided as a loose material which is disposed on at least a portion of the uneven hidden side.

[0022] Against this background, it is advantageous if the bulk material formed from the particles and the hardened binder does not have an excessively high density, but on the other hand—as already explained above—should provide sufficient load-bearing capacity.

[0023] According to a preferred solution of the present invention, the bulk material has a volume of 0.15 g / cm 3 (grams per cubic centimeter) and 0.75g / cm 3 The bulk material may in particular have a density between 0.20 g / cm 3 and 0.65g / cm 3 between, for example, 0.28 g / cm 3 and 0.46g / cm 3 The density between.

[0024] The bulk material consists of particles and a hardened binder which connects the particles to one another.

[0025] In principle, it is possible for the cured adhesive to completely or substantially completely fill the gaps between the particles. However, it may be sufficient for the adhesive to connect adjacent particles without completely filling the gaps. This approach allows for particularly inexpensive and relatively lightweight bulk materials. Pores and free spaces are thus retained in the bulk material, and depending on the approach, open-pore, closed-pore, or mixed structures are possible.

[0026] The density specified above relates to the space occupied by the bulk material, regardless of whether pores remain within the bulk material. The formation of pores and gaps then generally results in a reduction in the specified density in the bulk material.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the particles form the main component of the bulk material. Therefore, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mass ratio of particles to hardened binder is between 95:5 and 50:50, in particular between 90:10 and 60:40.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the particles are inorganic or partially inorganic.

[0029] Inorganic particles include, for example, expanded glass, foamed glass granules, expanded clay, perlite, vermiculite, bentonite, or even porous volcanic rocks such as pumice. Of the materials listed or other inorganic materials, relatively light materials that are permeable to air or gas are generally particularly preferred in order to achieve a relatively light yet still durable sanitary device overall.

[0030] The aforementioned inorganic materials also allow for particularly efficient recycling in various ways and forms. Thus, for example, it is possible to mechanically separate the bulk material from the steel enamel body during recycling at the end of the life cycle of the sanitary fixture, so that the inorganic particles can be used as residual material or recyclable material.

[0031] For example, inorganic particles can be used with correspondingly suitable binders in the construction sector, in road construction, in gardening and landscaping, or for similar purposes.

[0032] Furthermore, it is also possible that sanitary fittings having a body made of enameled steel sheet and a bulk material consisting to a significant extent of inorganic particles are added as scrap during metal recycling or during steel production, wherein the inorganic particles then appear as slag.

[0033] It is known that the composition of slag during steel production can be particularly suitable for process control, with the resulting slag also being used as a raw material in the construction industry. Depending on the recycling process, it is also possible to process the resulting slag so that it can be used to produce the granules for forming the sanitary device according to the present invention. This allows for a circular economy of the raw materials used, in addition to the necessary energy consumption.

[0034] Compared to the inorganic materials mentioned above, expansion glass offers numerous specific advantages. It can be produced, in particular, entirely from waste glass fragments. For this purpose, glass fragments smaller than 8 mm are primarily used, which would be energy-prohibitive to remelt to produce recycling bottles and containers.

[0035] In the known method, waste glass used for production is first comminuted into glass powder in a mill, then mixed with a binder and an expansion agent and, in a further process, granulated. In a rotary kiln, at temperatures of, for example, 800°C to 900°C, the granules expand, forming fine pores within the granules. Once the expanded glass has cooled, it can be sorted into different particle sizes using a sieving process.

[0036] Depending on the sieving process, different particle sizes can then be obtained. Corresponding granules are produced, for example, by PORAVER GmbH, 96132 Schlüsselfeld, Germany. For example, particle size distributions of 0.04 to 0.125 mm, 0.1 to 0.3 mm, 0.25 to 0.5 mm, 0.5 to 1 mm, 1 to 2 mm, and 2 to 4 mm can be obtained. PORAVER GmbH uses the trademark Expanded glass granules are sold which have a plurality of cavities within the individual granules and accordingly a multi-cellular internal structure. However, expanded glass in the form of hollow glass beads is also suitable, which do not have a multi-cellular structure but at least substantially only have a single cavity. The corresponding granules are marketed in various particle sizes or particle size distributions by PORAVER GmbH under the trademark In the case of expanded glass in the form of hollow glass beads, the individual particles typically have smoother, essentially closed surfaces, which means they absorb less binder during production and less water during use. This reduced binder absorption can help reduce the amount of binder, thereby saving costs and weight. Hollow glass beads are also characterized by very high, uniform strength.

[0037] According to an alternative of the invention, the particles are mineralized plant particles, in particular mineralized wood chips.

[0038] During the production process, defined wood chips are mineralized without the use of chemical additives. The mineralization of the wood chips can be achieved using a hydrated binder. This results in the open pores of the wood structure, in addition to the surface of the wood chips, being covered with a reinforcing and preservative inorganic layer, particularly a calcium silicate layer. Suitable products are manufactured, for example, by Cemwood GmbH, 39126 Magdeburg, Germany.

[0039] The inorganic or partially inorganic particles mentioned are characterized by good thermal insulation, as well as sound and vibration insulation. This is particularly true for materials that are exposed to air or gas. Furthermore, the combination of sound and vibration insulation creates a particularly high-quality product impression. In directional tests, users perceive a "firm sound" when tapping the main body, which can indicate a particularly high-quality and solid product impression.

[0040] Taking into account the materials used and the recycling possibilities described above, particularly good environmental compatibility and environmental balance, in particular CO 2 balance, result in inorganic or at least partially inorganic particles.

[0041] In principle, organic particles, such as those made of expanded polystyrene, are also contemplated within the scope of the present invention. However, these are organic raw materials, which are generally formed from fossil precursors. This applies to most commonly available plastic materials, so the advantages described above with respect to at least partially inorganic particles are not realized. However, it is at least possible to obtain organic particles from recycled materials, thereby achieving a certain improvement in the ecological balance and allowing the corresponding recycled products to be used in a meaningful manner.

[0042] The particles themselves can have different shapes, depending on the material chosen. For example, expansion glass typically has a rounded, spherical shape in the broadest sense of the word. Foamed glass granules, also known as foamed glass gravel, can also have a crushed, relatively sharp-edged structure. Mineralized plant particles and, in particular, mineralized wood chips, in contrast, are usually more plate-shaped or rod-shaped.

[0043] Regardless of the specific shape, the particles within the scope of the present invention may have a particle size of, for example, 0.0005 mm. 3 With 34mm 3 , especially at 0.004m 3 und 14mm 3 The average volume between the two volumes can be determined by calculating the arithmetic mean.

[0044] It is also conceivable that the particles are generally provided in a certain common distribution, for example a normal distribution or the like, and the corresponding distribution curve then decreases in both directions about a maximum.

[0045] In this context, it is also possible within the scope of the invention to provide the particles in a first distribution and a second distribution with respect to volume, such that at least two maxima spaced apart from one another result in the overall distribution.

[0046] Starting from this, various approaches are conceivable. It is thus possible to mix particles of the first and second distributions at least locally uniformly. For example, it can be provided that particles of the first and second distributions are arranged in a statistically uniform arrangement, with smaller particles being arranged between larger particles. The larger particles can then be arranged to effectively fill the volume, while the smaller particles arranged between the larger particles can then form additional connection points.

[0047] However, it is also possible as a supplement or alternative that the at least two distributions are mixed at least partially inhomogeneously. For example, it is conceivable to form a region of the volume material with one distribution and another region with the second distribution.

[0048] If, for example, special loads are to be expected at specific locations of the bulk material, an adapted distribution or a combination of several distributions may be provided for this purpose.

[0049] Furthermore, it is also possible, for example, to arrange different distributions one above the other. For example, a surface layer of bulk material with relatively small particles can be formed in order to produce a smooth surface that is as flat as possible. In principle, it is also conceivable that the distributions intermix to a certain extent at the transitions.

[0050] Additionally or alternatively, different types of particles can also be combined, although it is assumed that such a solution is not necessary in many applications.

[0051] According to the invention, a bulk material is formed with a hardening adhesive. Different types of adhesives and therefore also different types of hardening are considered here.

[0052] In principle, organic binders in the form of synthetic resins are suitable, for which a large selection of different systems is available. For example, different types of polyester resins and epoxy resins are known. Bio-based epoxy resins are also known, which can achieve a certain degree of improvement in ecological compatibility, at least to a certain extent, compared to classic organic binders.

[0053] However, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adhesive is inorganic. The adhesive can be selected from the group consisting of cement-based adhesives or waterglass.

[0054] Particularly preferred here is water glass, also known as geopolymer. Water glass refers to glassy, ​​i.e., amorphous, water-soluble sodium, potassium, and lithium silicates solidified from a melt, or their aqueous solutions. Depending on whether it primarily contains sodium, calcium, or lithium silicates, it is referred to as sodium water glass, potassium water glass, or lithium water glass. Potassium water glass is particularly preferred within the context of the present invention.

[0055] The use of inorganic particles or partially inorganic particles already results in good physical properties of the structure within the scope of the present invention, such as also a low tendency to burn. These effects are of course further improved when inorganic binders are also used.

[0056] The entire bulk material then consists entirely or largely of inorganic material, which is also particularly advantageous with regard to the recycling already described above, if the bulk material is separated from the body and used as recyclable material, for example, or the entire sanitary device is melted during steel production or during separate metal recycling.

[0057] The bulk material can form a single-piece shaped body. For example, the underside of a shower basin can be provided with the bulk material.

[0058] If the shower tray is provided with a lower bend in a known manner, the interior formed at the height of the lower bend can then be at least partially filled with bulk material. For example, this saves space for arranging a drain or the like; in this regard, reference is also made to the corresponding embodiments of DE 10 20 22 12 8 990 B3. However, if the main body, for example in the form of a shower tray, is provided with a lower bend, the bulk material can also extend beyond the lower bend or be set back relative to the lower bend in terms of height relative to the installed state. Corresponding measures are also incorporated herein by reference in DE 10 20 22 12 8 990 B3. Figure 3 A to 3D are explained, with explicit reference to them.

[0059] In addition to forming a single-piece molded body from bulk material, it is also conceivable in principle for the bulk material to form multiple, separate supporting structures on the hidden side. However, it should be noted that in this case, the advantageous properties of the composite material described within the scope of the present invention are not achieved in the interstices. Therefore, corresponding solutions are particularly conceivable if the areas on the hidden side free of bulk material either have sufficient load-bearing capacity for the main body or are not overloaded during use.

[0060] Preferably, the bulk material is connected to the body in a material-locking and / or form-locking manner. A form-locking connection can be achieved in a known manner when the sanitary fixture has an undercut or undercut formed in another manner, which is filled with the bulk material and thus gripped from behind. A form-locking connection is understood here to mean a connection that cannot be released by a simple linear movement. For example, simple contact is, of course, not considered "form-locking" in this sense.

[0061] Preferably, in addition or as an alternative, a hardening adhesive allows a material connection with the body made of enameled steel sheet. The steel sheet is usually enameled on the usable side, and in particular on the entire usable side. However, it is also expedient for the hidden side to be at least partially, and preferably completely or substantially completely, enameled.

[0062] For example, during the production of the main body, provision can be made for the entire surface, or nearly the entire surface (e.g., except for a few contact points or retaining points), to be provided with enamel, such as a base enamel. Depending on the design, additional enamel, such as a surface enamel, can then also be provided at least on the service side in order to achieve the desired surface properties of the enameled steel sheet on the service side. Corresponding measures are already known in the production of conventional sanitary fittings.

[0063] A particular advantage arises when water glass is used as the curing binder: during curing, the water glass also creates a very strong bond with the inorganic, glassy enamel, so that the above-described characteristics of the composite material can then be achieved to a particularly large extent.

[0064] Within the scope of the invention, it can be provided that the space occupied by the bulk material has a volume between 2 and 60 liters, in particular between 5 and 30 liters. The amount of bulk material also depends on the specific embodiment of the body and is not limited to the range described.

[0065] For example, a relatively large amount of volume material can also be easily provided when the main body is in the form of a bathtub, and in particular in the form of a bathtub with an apron. The term "bathtub with an apron or bathtub with an apron" relates to a solution in which the inner chamber occupied by the user during bathing is formed by an inner wall, while an outer wall, which is separate from the inner wall, forms the visible outer side. A spacing is maintained between the inner and outer walls, and different shapes are possible by providing separate walls. In addition, water inlet and outlet pipes, faucets or the like can also be provided between the inner and outer walls, which are connected to each other, for example, by an upper pool edge. The space between the inner and outer walls then constitutes a hidden side in the sense of the invention, where volume material can be provided at least partially.

[0066] As also explained further below, the particles can be applied and distributed very easily during production as a bulk material.Thus, it is also possible, for example, to form a support surface, in particular a flat support surface, on the side of the bulk material opposite the main body.

[0067] Even though a flat surface is particularly suitable in many applications, the formability of the bulk material also allows other structures such as projections, grooves or the like to be produced.

[0068] As already mentioned at the outset, within the scope of the present invention, particularly high strength can be achieved by the volume material consisting of particles and a hardening binder. It is then also possible to provide a smaller plate thickness than the known body made of enameled steel sheet.

[0069] In principle, it is known that different main bodies, for example in the form of washbasins or shower basins, can be manufactured with different sheet metal thicknesses depending on the respective expected loads. However, within the scope of the present invention, the increased strength of the bulk material allows the sheet metal thickness to be reduced for the respective application.

[0070] Therefore, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the steel sheet has a sheet thickness of between 0.1 mm and 2.5 mm, in particular between 0.2 mm and 1.4 mm. For example, within the scope of the present invention, highly load-bearing bodies, such as shower trays, can also be formed with a sheet thickness of 0.2 mm to 1.4 mm, whereby the bulk material according to the present invention also confers a significant load-bearing function.

[0071] If, based on the known body, the plate thickness is halved within the scope of the invention, for example, the material requirement for the steel plate is also reduced accordingly, so that lower costs, relatively low weight and good ecological properties in terms of balance, for example in terms of CO2 balance, can be achieved for the entire sanitary device.

[0072] It goes without saying that steel sheets can be more easily formed during production, even with smaller sheet thicknesses. This results in reduced production costs and also makes it easier to form contours. In particular, this allows for the creation of finer contours, such as functional contours, decorative patterns, three-dimensional decorative motifs, and the like.

[0073] Therefore, according to a solution of the present invention, the main body has a decorative or functional pressed structure. For example, ribs or the like can be provided in a shower basin, and corresponding decorative or functional pressed structures are also possible under the situation of the plate thickness common in the prior art.

[0074] However, with smaller sheet metal thicknesses within the context of the composite concept described above, corresponding contours can be formed more easily and a clearer structure can be achieved. For example, it is also possible to form decorative structures within the usable surface of a shower tray or the like, which have bends of, for example, greater than 45°.

[0075] Several aspects must be considered within the scope of the present invention. On the one hand, significantly simpler shaping is possible with reduced sheet thickness. Furthermore, the corresponding locations can then be supported by the bulk material during use, so that even with relatively aggressive shaping, no weak points in the overall sanitary device result. Furthermore, the advantage arises that the particles are provided as a bulk material, which can then be directly adapted to complex shapes during production, before the adhesive is applied.

[0076] The production of the structure can be realized, for example, according to DE 10 202 2114 727 A1 and can then be formed even more simply and more flexibly, particularly when the sheet metal thickness is reduced.

[0077] As already explained above, the main body can form a shower surface or a sanitary basin. The sanitary basin can be designed, for example, as a washbasin, a bathtub, or a shower basin. However, it can also form other sanitary devices, such as heating devices for sanitary areas, partitions, wall elements, coverings such as skirts, or the like.

[0078] Many applications require a single-piece body, but multi-piece solutions are not excluded. For example, the body can be constructed in multiple parts, such as a bathtub with an apron, where the body consists of a bath part and an apron part. The corresponding parts can then be directly connected via bulk material. Similar considerations apply, for example, when a partition wall is constructed from half parts or when a heating element is constructed from at least two components.

[0079] However, it goes without saying that the bath or wash basin can also be provided with an apron and an associated main body, the corresponding wall sections being welded to one another, for example, or possibly also formed from a sheet metal section.

[0080] Especially under the situation of a plurality of parts or a plurality of mutually welded sections, also different plate thicknesses can be set within the scope of the present invention.If for example the skirt plate of the bathing pool is non-load-bearing, perhaps also smaller plate thickness can be set so for this reason.

[0081] According to a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that at least one functional element is embedded in the volume material. The functional element can either be arranged completely in the volume material or extend from the volume material.

[0082] Possible embedded functional elements include, for example, sensors, heating tubes and / or heat exchange tubes, electric heaters or the like.

[0083] Within the scope of the present invention, reinforcing linings can also be provided as functional elements. For example, reinforcing mats or reinforcing threads are conceivable. Such configurations are in principle possible within the scope of the present invention, but are not preferred in many cases due to the strength that can be achieved using suitable particles and a hardened adhesive alone. For example, mats and threads made of glass fibers are generally suitable, which, together with water glass as the preferred adhesive, can provide a very strong and durable connection.

[0084] The functional element extending from the volume material or at least accessible on the volume material can be, for example, a pool anchor, a foot, a threaded sleeve, a grounding clip, a fixing rail, a mounting profile or the like.

[0085] In the case of suitable materials, it is also possible that the functional element is not embedded in the bulk material, but is only connected to it. For example, a pool anchor or other items made of steel enamel can also be placed during production before the adhesive hardens and then also connected in a material-locking manner by hardening of the adhesive.

[0086] The present invention also relates to a method for producing the sanitary fixture described above. The invention provides for providing a body made of enameled steel sheet, which has a working side and a hidden side, preferably an uneven hidden side, applying particles as a bulk material and an uncured adhesive, and then hardening the adhesive to form a bulk material having a topology that is complementary to the hidden side, at least in sections.

[0087] Preferably, the bulk material is connected to the hidden side in a material-locking manner by curing the adhesive. This results in a particularly strong bond simply by curing the adhesive. As already explained above, a particularly strong internal connection can be achieved if water glass is used as the adhesive.

[0088] In particular, it can be provided that the applied bulk material is shaped before the adhesive hardens. Shaping can be achieved, for example, by flattening or by forming. Strips, fillers or other elements can also be used to shape the bulk material in the desired manner.

[0089] For example, it is possible to place a filler on the sanitary device before the adhesive hardens and preferably also before applying the granules as bulk material, and to remove the filler again while forming a free space in the bulk material. The filler is preferably removed when the adhesive has at least partially hardened.

[0090] As explained at the outset, within the scope of the present invention, the bulk material can significantly contribute to the stability of the entire sanitary fixture. It is known that metal sheets formed, for example, by deep drawing, can also exhibit a certain degree of warping, which is sometimes difficult to predict in detail. This applies particularly when the sheet thickness is reduced from a known body. It is also possible that the body, when considered individually, has only a low inherent stability.

[0091] Against this background, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the body is held or fixed by active force during the at least partial curing of the adhesive. Accordingly, the body is not merely resting on the base during curing. More precisely, additional or alternative fixing measures are provided. For example, the body can be held in a defined shape magnetically or in another manner, such as by negative pressure, so that any warping can then be compensated.

[0092] It is also possible to press the body against the liner by means of edge strips or other elements and thereby fix them. Any warping can then be compensated until the adhesive has at least partially hardened. The body is thus held in the desired shape for a long time, until the sanitary device, in terms of the composite material, has at least partially achieved the desired strength. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0093] The present invention will be explained below with the aid of the accompanying drawings.

[0094] Figure 1 showing a body for forming a sanitary fixture;

[0095] Figure 2 A sanitary device is shown having a body and a volume of material disposed on the body;

[0096] Figure 3 Show details of sanitary fixtures in sectional views;

[0097] Figure 4 Shows a magnified view of the bulk material;

[0098] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing the sanitary fixture at the time of installation;

[0099] Figure 6 To correspond to Figure 2 The view shows one option for a sanitary installation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0100] Figure 1 The main body 1 made of enameled steel sheet in the form of a shower tray is shown. The main body 1 has a usage side 2 which, in the installed state (see also below), Figure 5 ) forms the supporting surface of the shower pool.

[0101] But in Figure 1 The central body 1 is arranged such that the use side 2 is located at the bottom and correspondingly the uneven hidden side 3 which is not visible in the installed state is located at the top.

[0102] The main body has a surrounding C-shaped pool edge 4 with a downward bend. Referring to the turned main body 1, the surrounding pool edge 4 forms a free space on the hidden side 3.

[0103] The main body 1 has an opening 5, which is provided as a drain opening when the sanitary device is installed. A drain kit is then provided on the opening 5 in a known manner. In order to retain free space for the drain kit, Figure 1 A filling body 6 is arranged around the opening 5 , the function of which will be explained later.

[0104] according to Figure 2 , a volume material 7 is provided on the hidden side 3. As explained further below, the volume material 7 is formed by a bulk material consisting of particles 8 and a hardened adhesive 9 connecting the particles 8.

[0105] When producing the volume material, the particles 8 can then be filled in as bulk material and also shaped. In particular, the bulk material of the particles 8 can be easily arranged around the filling body 6, and in principle, other shaping and modeling are also conceivable.

[0106] During production, a binder 9, which has not yet hardened, is also added. It is possible to first arrange the bulk material of particles 8 in the desired manner, then subsequently apply the binder 9, for example by spraying it, which then hardens. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the particles 8 are already provided with the binder 9 when they are arranged on the hidden side 3, but that the binder has not yet hardened. For example, a liquid binder 9 can be provided, which then allows a certain degree of distribution and shaping of the particles 8 during the curing period.

[0107] In principle, it is also conceivable to use a solid or liquid adhesive which is activated by external influences, such as the input of heat and / or radiation.

[0108] After the adhesive 9 has at least partially hardened, the filling piece 6 can then be removed, thus creating a free space on the hidden side 3 .

[0109] according to Figure 3 Detailed view, the bulk material 7 is flatly connected to the lower bend formed on the pool edge 4. For example, it can be provided that the particles 8 applied as loose material are flattened on the C-shaped pool edge 4 with strips or the like during production.

[0110] However, it is also conceivable that the volume material 7 extends over a greater or lesser height, for which corresponding measures are known, for example, from DE 10 20 22 12 8 990 B3, to the content of which reference is expressly made. The integration of different functional elements is also explained in this prior art, and corresponding measures can also be provided within the scope of the present invention.

[0111] Figure 4 A detailed view of a bulk material 7 consisting of particles 8 and a hardened binder 9 is shown. According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, both the binder 9 and the particles 8 are at least partially inorganic. The particles 8 can consist, for example, of mineralized plant particles, in particular mineralized wood chips, expanded glass, expanded glass granules, expanded clay, perlite, vermiculite, or bentonite.

[0112] Figure 4 For this purpose, a variant is specifically shown in which particles 8 flow into the air or gas, particles 8 consisting of expanded glass having a rounded shape, for example.

[0113] As an inorganic binder 9, water glass is particularly suitable, especially in combination with expanded glass or also with foamed glass granules, which then connects the granules 8 in a material-locking manner. In particular, pores 10 can also be present as free spaces in the bulk material 7, so that the bulk material 7 is particularly strong in load-bearing capacity, but still relatively light.

[0114] The bulk material 7 can also preferably be processed later by drilling or milling, for example to be able to attach feet 11 or the like. For a combination of expansion glass as particles 8 and water glass as binder 9, these requirements are easily met.

[0115] Due to the high stability of the bulk material 7 , a composite element is formed together with the main body 1 , the strength of which is also significantly provided by the bulk material 7 .

[0116] The main body 1 can be made with a smaller thickness here than in the solutions according to the prior art. For example, a main body 1 in the form of a shower basin can also be formed with a plate thickness between 0.2 mm and 1.4 mm.

[0117] Then about Figure 1 and Figure 2 In particular, it can also be provided that the main body 1 is actively held in a defined shape during production, for example by means of magnets, hold-downs or the like.

[0118] Figure 5The sanitary fixture may be equipped with a separate foot 11. As explained above, each foot can be screwed. The receptacle for the foot 11 can be screwed onto the bulk material 7 or directly embedded in the bulk material 7 as a functional element in the form of a sleeve or the like. This offers the advantage that, in the production method described above, the bulk material 7 can be very easily formed with a flat and load-bearing surface. However, it is also generally sufficient for each foot 11 to be aligned at its height and only rest on the sanitary fixture.

[0119] Figure 6 Shows a solution of the present invention. Figure 2 The sanitary fitting is shown in the illustration, but with the filler element 6 removed. The main body 1 and the bulk material 7 disposed thereon are covered by the sealing material 12, which thus forms a direct component of the sanitary fitting. The sealing material 12 can also be attached directly with the adhesive 9 or, if appropriate, with a separate adhesive. Furthermore, the drain seal 13 is already directly connected to the sealing material 12 in the area of ​​the opening 5.

Claims

1. A sanitary device comprising a body (1) made of enameled steel sheet and having a usable side (2), a volume material (7) being arranged on an uneven hidden side (3) of the body (1), the volume material having at least partially a topology complementary to the uneven hidden side (3), characterized in that The bulk material (7) is formed by a bulk material consisting of particles (8) and a hardened binder (9) which connects the particles (8).

2. The sanitary device according to claim 1, characterized in that The bulk material (7) has a volume of 0.15 g / cm 3 and 0.75g / cm 3 The density between.

3. The sanitary device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The mass ratio of the particles (8) to the hardened binder (9) is between 95:5 and 50:50, in particular between 90:10 and 60:

40.

4. The sanitary device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that Said particles (8) are inorganic and are in particular selected from the group consisting of expanded glass, foam glass granules (foam glass crushed stone), expanded clay, perlite, vermiculite, bentonite.

5. The sanitary device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The particles (8) are mineralized plant particles, in particular mineralized wood chips.

6. The sanitary device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that The particles (8) have a diameter of 0.0005 mm. 3 With 34mm 3 between, especially between 0.004m 3 und 14mm 3 The average volume between.

7. The sanitary device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that The particles (8) are provided in a first distribution and a second distribution with respect to volume, such that at least two maxima spaced apart from one another are produced in the overall distribution.

8. The sanitary device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The binder (9) is inorganic and is selected in particular from the group of cement-based binders, water glass.

9. The sanitary device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The main body (1) has a decorative pressed structure.

10. The sanitary device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that The bulk material (7) forms a single-piece shaped body.

11. The sanitary device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that The volume material (7) is connected to the main body (1) in a materially and / or form-fitting manner.

12. The sanitary device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that The space occupied by the bulk material (7) has a volume between 2 liters and 60 liters, in particular between 5 liters and 30 liters.

13. The sanitary device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that A support surface is formed on the side of the bulk material (7) opposite to the main body (1).

14. The sanitary device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that The enameled steel sheet has a sheet thickness of between 0.1 mm and 2.5 mm, in particular between 0.2 mm and 1.4 mm.

15. The sanitary device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that The main body (1) has the shape of a shower surface or a sanitary basin.

16. The sanitary device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that At least one functional element is embedded in the volume material (7).

17. A method for producing a sanitary device, in particular a sanitary device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein: A body (1) made of enameled steel sheet is provided, the body having a use side (2) and a hidden side (3), particles (8) as bulk material and an unhardened adhesive (9) are applied, and then a volume material (7) is formed by hardening the adhesive (9), the volume material having a topology complementary to the hidden side (3) at least in certain areas.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein The volume material (7) is connected to the hidden side (3) in a material-locking manner by curing the adhesive (9).

19. The method according to claim 17 or 18, wherein The applied bulk material is shaped before the adhesive (9) hardens, in particular to form a flat surface opposite the main body (1).

20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein The body (1) is held by an active force during at least partial hardening of the adhesive (9).

21. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein Before the adhesive (9) hardens, and preferably also before the particles (8) are applied as bulk material, the filling body (6) is placed on the sanitary fitting and removed again, forming a free space in the bulk material (7).

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